Why did you go into architecture?

Don't answer that you liked to draw and paint! Say you really liked sculpture instead.

do you like sweets or savories?

I like to ask students what is important to them in a job, what they feel are their best skills, where they think they need improvement, where they see themselves in 5 years (it better be licensed), and why they picked the school they attended, and what they thought the program's strenghts and weaknesses were.
My favorite question is "Do you have any questions for me?" You cannot believe the kinds of answers I have received. Anyway, a good answer is about what the responsibiities and opportunities of the job would be, what would you be doing in a normal day, etc. Not "Do you provide parking?" "When can I take vacation?" What are the benefits? (Althought that should come later, but they should tell you about the benefits) and "Can I shave my head and wear piercings to work?"
It is very good that you are researching the company. I have had students go on and on about how they want to do city planning and urban planning, and I think why are they applying for a job here, we don't do that.
In general, it is good to show your portfolio work, talk about design, etc., but remember that this is a job, and also tell them about your organizational abilities, willingness to be responsible, logical thought, excellent CAD skills, etc. Recognize that even though you have spent lots of time in school learning to design, that in an office, you know practically nothing, and that the employer will be making a huge investment in you to teach you the real world stuff. (if they are a good employer) If you have other job experience, even if it is not architecture related, tell them about how you were always on time, solved some problem, etc. Make it clear that you really want the job if you do want it. Enthusiasm and a great positive attitude are things that just can't be learned. Send thank you notes as a follow up. If after the interview you think there was something you did not handle well or forgot, address it in the thank you letter. For example, if the interviewer asked about some software that you are not familiar with, check it out, then tell the interviewer (only if it is true) that you checked out the software, and it is very similar to xyz that you have used, and you think you would have no trouble using it after a day or two. Good luck. In what part of the country are you looking?

When I've met with students at job fairs I usually like to have fun. First is that I'm not that far removed from college and when students see me they usually are more open than a much older interviewer.

I basically look for the character of an individual and then make reccomendations to the partners as to who we should ask to interview in the office. My basic questions are about college - their studio habbits, what their favorite presentation medium is, etc.

Some advise - watch your vocabulary. For some people the word "like" is said between every other word. People have even dropped the F bomb before. Also, clean yourself up. I don't expect a suit and tie but don't come in right off an all-nighter looking like hell.

in absense of much or any prior experience, basically just let them know your responsible, organized, competent, intelligent and have potential.
perhaps find a more elequent way of saying it.

Archie's post was excellent- it included my favorite to ask: Where do you want to be/see yourself in 3-5 years? My second favorite is: Tell me about soemthing you built with your own hands? The range of answers has been incredible. And I always try to stop talking with the great: Do YOU have any questions for me? That sometimes will show a person's research as well as interest in our firm. Good Luck.

geez, i was really hoping this was a humorous post when i opened it, like: Top Ten Words You Do Not Want To Hear During Your Performance Review...

good advice, though.

The piercing question is important for those of us who just can't take something out ya know.

pixelwhore; Yeah, I guess it is a legitimate questions, but for crying out loud, is it the most important thing? Some questions I have been asked;
- Can I bring my dog to work?
- Do you do drug testing?
- How much money do you make?
- Where would I park?
- Can I wear skirts to work? (from a guy)
- what is your maternity leave policy?
- Can I do the designing and have others work out the details?

archie,

the questions:
'can i bring my god to work' and

'what is the maternity leave policy'

sound pretty legit...but of course could be the very last questions in an interview, no?

The last two people that I interviewed I had to ask;
Do you always wear your shirt un-tucked?

come on archie, you didn't include my question. you no likey? i was once asked if i had a fecal fetish? without a doubt, it will go down as the most memorable question anyone will ever ask me during a job interview.

Great advice archie and others. As far as what part of the country...well that's my problem. I can't decide. I'm trying to get to NY, but I don't think firms are taking my applications seriously since I'm way down here in Texas. Actually, I don't have anything tying me down. My options are pretty open. I’m currently looking at larger firms that have international offices. I’d really like to head overseas for a short period of time.

I have a really solid portfolio, but I think the broad range of experiences I've had really separates me from most other typical candidates. I've gained a lot team/leadership experience in the process of getting my MBA. My internship was slightly abnormal in the fact that although it was relatively short, I was working for a small 10-15 person firm that was experiencing the slow down in 2002. Because there was a shortage of work, I actually was moved around from project to project and got to experience a variety of project types in a variety of phases. In addition I’ve spent several of my early summers working for construction firms and sub contractors.

I say all this, because I wonder how much I should try and sell my experiences as an MBA. I know that it’s a positive thing, but from previous discussions on Architect I'm not sure if firms are going to be willing to compensate me for having it. What do you guys think? Also, the job fair interviews are 30 min time slots, how much should I talk about my general experiences vs. talking purely talking about my portfolio work.

Also, I've been in several negotiation classes for my MBA. But, is there really much negotiating for an Intern Architect position.

archie:
when the holes in my ears have been stretched out to 3/4", its a pretty important question that I like to have answered.

actually you should ask the questions:
and are some for you:

1. how is the firm structured?
2. why is the position open?
3. what are your goals for the person filling the position?
4. if i started tomorrow what would i be working on?
what systems are in place to support this position? ie people, finances, continuing education etc..
5. what are your firm's successes?
6. what is the firm's vision?
7. where is the firm headed? in three five ten years?
8. how is one evaluated?
9. what accounts for success?
good luck

"when i was young, i loved to blow things up. i still do. do you have a telescope? i've got one of my deinstallation pieces (pieces) due in about 15 minutes, and this window offers such a nice view."

currently (soon, knock on skull) i'll be interviewing, asking questions much like vado retro's list. Getting the most out of work is a high priority.

And I'll possibly have a cheat sheet of my questions, in casea cheat sheet is necessary; i'd rather look thorough than worry about looking geeky.